The National MPA Center: Helping to Conserve our Nation’s Marine Resources

Lauren WenzelNational Marine Protected Areas

Center

Overview• MPA Definition• MPA Center Overview• Snapshot of U.S. MPAs• Ocean Use Mapping

Federal:• National Marine Sanctuaries• National Estuarine Research

Reserves• National Parks• Maritime Memorials• National Seashores• National Monuments• National Wildlife Refuges• Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserves

State, Commonwealth, Territory, and Tribal:• Marine Life Conservation Districts• Aquatic Preserves• Areas of Special Biological Significance• Ecological Reserves• Critical Habitats• Marine Conservation Areas• Research Reserves• Coastal and Marine Parks• Underwater Preserves

Many Types of Protected Areas

Percent of US MPA Area Open to Recreational Fishing

About the MPA Center• Established in 2000 by Executive Order

Develop and implement a scientifically based, comprehensive national system of MPAs representing diverse U.S. marine ecosystems, and the Nation’s natural and cultural resources

MPA Center FY11 Focus:• Engaging Partners & Stakeholders• Developing & Analyzing Geospatial Info• Advancing MPA Science• Capacity Building

MPA Inventory

Mapping Ocean Uses

“Human uses of the ocean are expanding at a rate that challenges our ability to manage significant and often competing demands”

Why Ocean Uses?

• Spans wide range of use activities

• Little to no spatial data are available

• Use patterns are difficult to quantify

• Uses can be variable in time and/or place

• No established data gathering standards exist

• Use knowledge held by a few key individuals

Ocean Uses Data Gap

FishingRecreational pelagic fishing from boatsRecreational benthic fishing from boatsRecreational fishing from shoreRecreational dive fishingRecreational kayak fishingCommercial pelagic fishingCommercial fishing w/ benthic fixed gearCommercial fishing w/ benthic mobile gearCommercial dive fishingCommercial algae harvestingShore-based recreational harvest

Non-ConsumptiveSwimmingSurface water sports PaddlingSCUBA and snorkelingMotorized boatingSailingTide pooling Beach use Wildlife viewingTribal spiritual/cultural places

Types of Ocean Uses Industrial and Military Offshore oil and gasOffshore alternative energyMining + mineral extractionUnderwater cablesMaritime shippingCruise shipsMilitary operationsAquaculture

PROCESS VISUAL

Data SynthesisTools & Products

Data Collection

Identify experts

Convene workshops

Facilitate mapping

Collect spatial data

Survey participants

Compile GIS data layers

Review workshop notes

Build maps & metadata

Seek feedback & review

Create visualization tools

Compile project report

Build web products

Target outreach

Ocean Use Data Applications

• CMSP

• MPA Design & Effectiveness

• Offshore Energy / Aquaculture

• Strategic Conservation Targets

• Education and Outreach

• Research Prioritization

• Coastal Development

The MPA Federal AdvisoryCommittee

Background

• Mandated by Executive Order 13158

• Consists of 30 appointed members and non-voting ex officio members

• Diverse membership• Current structure: 2

Subcommittees and 1 Working Group

Recent Accomplishments

• Letter to NOAA and DOI on CMSP (November 2010, May 2010)• Committee recommendations on cultural heritage resources in the

national system (November 2010)• Committee recommendations on climate change in the oceans (April

2010)• Developing an evaluation framework for the National System of MPAs

(September 2009 and December 2008)• Linking ocean observing systems to the national system (December 2008)• Developing MPA management principles on compliance and enforcement

(May 2008)

Charge: Integrating the National System of MPAs with the Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Initiative

• What role should the national system of MPAs play within the broader CMSP initiative?

• How can we ensure that conservation is addressed within regional CMSP plans?

• How can NOAA and DOI build on the spatial data and decision support tools used to develop the national system to inform CMSP?

Charge: Healthy and Resilient MPA Communities and Land/Sea Interactions

• How can the national system help sustain healthy coastal communities?• How can the national system help support community-based MPAs?• How should the national system address important marine-related

resources that are not currently considered “marine environment”?

Charge: Guiding the Development of the Cultural Heritage Track of the National System

• How can NOAA and DOI best support the participation of cultural heritage MPAs within the national system?

• What factors should NOAA and DOI consider in developing the gap analyses for cultural heritage resources?

Potential Areas of Collaboration

• Identifying ways in which recreational uses at MPAs contribute to local communities (socio-economics)

• Encouraging collection and use of information on human uses of the ocean (including recreation) to inform sound ocean policy

• Engaging in National Ocean Policy, including CMSP• Other ideas?

Questions?